By Larissa Page
Feeling like I needed a bit of an escape in the form of a compelling and easy read, I recently downloaded the audiobook of Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins. I had heard good reviews of her previous release The Wife Upstairs, and I appreciate audiobooks because they are easy to listen to while working through other tasks in my day.
Lux and her boyfriend Nico are stuck working mundane jobs in Hawaii (or at least Lux is). They are trying to save up to fix Nico’s boat so they can set off on a grand worldwide adventure when they are approached by two people who want to pay them an exceptional amount of money to take them to a deserted island with a rather dark past in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for two weeks of bliss in “paradise.” Lux and Nico take advantage of the offer and set sail with these two strangers. When they arrive, they are surprised to find another couple has also decided to visit this strange, deserted paradise. They all quickly become friends and spend their time swimming and exploring, until things start to feel a little off. This trip and this island—and maybe even one another—are not quite what they seem to be.
As expected, this book was an escape, particularly to a tropical Pacific Ocean island. There were elements to the story that certainly did make it a thriller. Unfortunately, I predicted the shocking twist much before it was revealed, making it less shocking and a little bit disappointing. The suspense wasn’t quite there for me, even though the story itself was enjoyable enough. I wish I had felt a bit more of that unknown.
In addition to it not quite being suspenseful enough, I also disliked the ending. I thought the actions of the character at the end were not reflective of who she was and how she would have acted. This is one of the things I felt was off, but I also have some more questions that I think ultimately are plot holes that leave the story and the big reveal falling apart.
While the plot twists, suspense, and plot holes/lingering questions made this thriller a bit of a letdown, I will say the narrator of the Macmillan audiobook (Barrie Kreinik) did a great job. She was easy to listen to, even with the speed turned up. It was an easy story to follow in general which meant I could listen while driving or out for a walk or doing the dishes without missing anything, always a plus, and I appreciated the imagery of the jungle and the island.
All in all, a fine escape through a disappointing thriller.